Dutch Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog. Final Verdict on Which is a Better Pet.

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Dutch Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Maremma Sheepdog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Dutch Shepherd and for the Maremma Sheepdog. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dutch Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog

Dutch Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Maremma Sheepdog is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Maremma Sheepdog belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Dutch Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd to the Maremma Sheepdog based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Factor Dutch Shepherd Maremma Sheepdog
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 13 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 1/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 5/5 1/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 65 to 100 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1590 $1160
Price Range $900 – $2000 $495 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Shoulders
    		•

    *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Maremma Sheepdog. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for a Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Maremma Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Maremma Sheepdog. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds are not prone to gaining weight easily. However, Maremma Sheepdogs gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train. However, Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are most similar:

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Maremma Sheepdogs weigh 65 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Maremma Sheepdogs are 23.5 to 28.5 inches when fully grown.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Maremma Sheepdog

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Maremma Sheepdog puppy is $1160. The price of the Maremma Sheepdog typically ranges from $495 – $1500. However, the price of a Maremma Sheepdog can be as low as $300 and as high as $4135. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 41 Maremma Sheepdog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dutch Shepherd is more expensive than the Maremma Sheepdog.

    Dutch Shepherd Maremma Sheepdog
    Average Price $1590 $1160
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $495 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Dutch Shepherd and Maremma Sheepdog. For different price points, the charts show how many Dutch Shepherd puppies or how many Maremma Sheepdog puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Maremma Sheepdogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dutch Shepherd puppy or the Maremma Sheepdog puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking from a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Maremma Sheepdogs drool moderately.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Maremma Sheepdog

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Maremma Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Maremma Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Maremma Sheepdogs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Maremma Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Maremma Sheepdogs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Dutch Shepherds and Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Maremma Sheepdogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Maremma Sheepdogs?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Maremma Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Maremma Sheepdog?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Maremma Sheepdogs are not easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dutch Shepherd that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dutch Shepherd:

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Maremma Sheepdog vs Japanese Spitz.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Maremma Sheepdog

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Maremma Sheepdog that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Maremma Sheepdog:

  • Central Asian Shepherd Dog (75 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Central Asian Shepherd Dog.
  • Hovawart (72 percent match with Maremma Sheepdog). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Hovawart.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Dutch Shepherd and how the Maremma Sheepdog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dutch Shepherd and of the Maremma Sheepdog to other breeds:

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Dutch Shepherd versus King Shepherd     Dutch Shepherd versus Yorkshire Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Dutch Shepherd versus Yorkshire Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Spinone Italiano     Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer     Dutch Shepherd versus Cavapoo     Dutch Shepherd versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Dutch Shepherd versus Affenhuahua     

    Maremma Sheepdog Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Maremma Sheepdog versus Chinese Crested     Maremma Sheepdog versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Maremma Sheepdog versus Chihuahua     Maremma Sheepdog versus Norwegian Buhund     Maremma Sheepdog versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Maremma Sheepdog versus Bracco Italiano     Maremma Sheepdog versus Golden Retriever     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Eskimo Dog     Maremma Sheepdog versus Lhasa Apso     Maremma Sheepdog versus American Staffordshire Terrier     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd versus Maremma Sheepdog. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Dutch Shepherd and the Maremma Sheepdog better suits you and your family.